November 4, 2024
Compliance Recap | October 2024
October brought the second of two Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Medicare Part D annual disclosures, in the form of Creditable Coverage Letters. The IRS released the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment information affecting employee benefit plans. We were reminded that while there are no ...
October 30, 2024
IRS Releases 2025 Benefit Plan Limits
As we approach 2025, it’s essential for employers to stay informed about the updated cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that impact employee benefits. Recent IRS updates affect key programs such as flexible spending accounts (FSAs), Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements ...
October 24, 2024
Brinson Compliance Annual Notices
Employers that sponsor group health plans should provide certain benefit notices in connection with their plans’ open enrollment periods. Although these annual notices may be provided at different times throughout the year, employers often choose to include them in the new hire packet, at open ...
October 22, 2024
Advocacy in Action | Resolving Enrollment Issues
One member was in a bind. He had an enrollment issue and was not showing active with insurance. To add to the situation, he needed an ID card and a list of COVID-19 testing sites. He contacted The Purple card and in just over an hour, he had active coverage, an ID card and a...
October 15, 2024
Employee Benefits | Simplifying HR Processes with AI
AI is becoming crucial as HR looks to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and offer personalized solutions. From creating HR materials to improving the recruitment process, AI’s integration is driving a shift in the way organizations support and engage their workforce. According to a ...
October 8, 2024
Workplace Culture | Addressing Workplace Microaggression
Creating an inclusive and respectful work environment is essential for employee well-being and organizational success. Microaggressions—those everyday slights, insults, or offensive behaviors—can significantly impact employees, particularly those from marginalized groups. If left unchecked, ...
October 7, 2024
Compliance Recap | September 2024
September brought the due date for the Summary Annual Report, which summarizes the Form 5500 contents. Employers prepared to send out the required Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage letters to eligible participants and enrolled beneficiaries. The Departments released final rules on the MHPAEA ...
October 1, 2024
Dear HR Manager from New to Leadership
Dear HR Manager, I’ve recently been promoted to a leadership role and want to ensure I’m the best boss I can be. What steps can I take to lead effectively and create a positive environment for my team? – New to Leadership Dear New to Leadership, Congratulations on your new role! ...
September 25, 2024
IRS Releases 2025 ACA Affordability Percentage for Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage
The IRS recently released its annual inflation adjustment to the percentage of household income used to determine whether an employer’s offer of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is affordable. The good news for employers is that the percentage has significantly increased ...
September 19, 2024
DOL Confirms Cybersecurity Guidelines Apply to Health and Welfare Plans under ERISA
The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has confirmed in Compliance Assistance Release No. 2024-01 that its cybersecurity guidance issued in April 2021 generally applies to all employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans. In the prior guidance, ...
